Rankings / By State
Best Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota
- 34
- Schools
- $58,444
- Avg. Earnings
- 64%
- Avg. Graduation
- $20,969
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,086
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $36,909 at the low end to $76,786 at the top. That 2.1× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
-
University of Minnesota-Morris offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $50,919 against $8,837 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
-
The most budget-friendly option on this list is University of Minnesota-Morris, at $8,837 annually in net price.
-
Completion rates separate this field: Carleton College graduates 90% of its students, well above the 64% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
-
Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Carleton College: graduates owe only 0.22× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Carleton College ($75,525 earnings), not the highest earner, Saint Johns University ($76,786). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. University of Minnesota-Morris ($8,837/yr) and Macalester College ($32,149/yr) produce graduates earning $50,919 and $63,878 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $23,312 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, University of Minnesota-Morris outperforms Saint Johns University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with University of Minnesota-Morris and Carleton College. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $59K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Carleton College #1 overall | $75,525 ▲ +29% vs avg | $25,407 | 90% | 75 |
| 2 Saint Johns University #2 overall | $76,786 ▲ +31% vs avg | $25,672 | 76% | 70 |
| 3 Macalester College #3 overall | $63,878 ▲ +9% vs avg | $32,149 | 89% | 70 |
| $65,607 ▲ +12% vs avg | $22,900 | 76% | 68 | |
| $63,260 ▲ +8% vs avg | $26,640 | 80% | 67 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota
This analysis ranks 34 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $58,444 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 64% and an average net price of $20,969.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Minnesota-Morris — Net Price: $8,837 | Graduation Rate: 62%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Carleton College — 90% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Saint Johns University — Median alumni earnings: $76,786
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Minnesota Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Minnesota?
$59,056
Median earnings (10yr)
63%
Median graduation rate
$19,956
Median net price
1.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across Minnesota serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
Start with the medians across these 34 schools. Graduates earn a median of $59,056 ten years after enrollment, or about $11,056 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 63%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $19,956 a year with about $21,500 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 27% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.4%.
For Minnesota, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $19,956 and graduates earning a median of $59,056, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Carleton College lands at #1 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (91/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $75,525 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,407 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Saint Johns University lands at #2 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $76,786 a decade after enrolling, 31% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,672 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Macalester College lands at #3 with a 70/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $63,878 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,149 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Gustavus Adolphus College lands at #4 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $65,607 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,900 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
College of Saint Benedict lands at #5 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $63,260 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,640 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities lands at #6 with a 66/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $69,020 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,778 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of Minnesota-Morris lands at #7 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by social mobility (64/100). Graduates earn a median $50,919 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,837 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
The College of Saint Scholastica lands at #8 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $65,934 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,846 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Hamline University lands at #9 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $61,106 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,744 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
St Catherine University lands at #10 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $59,282 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,764 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota lands at #11 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,170 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,704 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Concordia College at Moorhead lands at #12 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $59,317 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,902 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
St Olaf College lands at #13 with a 63/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $65,543 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,874 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Augsburg University lands at #14 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $58,829 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,873 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
University of Minnesota-Crookston lands at #15 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $58,056 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,212 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
University of Minnesota-Duluth lands at #16 with a 62/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $62,616 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,743 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Bethany Lutheran College lands at #17 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $46,110 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,148 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Winona State University lands at #18 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,532 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,503 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Saint Cloud State University lands at #19 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $55,813 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,529 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Minnesota State University-Mankato lands at #20 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $56,922 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,139 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Minnesota State University Moorhead lands at #21 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (66/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $50,527 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,997 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Bemidji State University lands at #22 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $53,755 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,261 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
North Central University lands at #23 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $45,064 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,817 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
University of Minnesota-Rochester lands at #24 with a 59/100 composite, led by academic quality (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (36/100). Graduates earn a median $69,020 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,744 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
University of St Thomas lands at #25 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $73,739 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,155 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Metropolitan State University lands at #26 with a 58/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $64,705 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,863 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Southwest Minnesota State University lands at #27 with a 58/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,342 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,291 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Crown College lands at #28 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $48,057 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,672 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Martin Luther College lands at #29 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (70/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $47,491 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,463 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Bethel University lands at #30 with a 57/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $63,764 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,556 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
University of Northwestern-St Paul lands at #31 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (76/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $50,755 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,705 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Concordia University-Saint Paul lands at #32 with a 57/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,871 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,462 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Minneapolis, MN · 48% accepted · $29,926 net
Why it ranks #33
Minneapolis College of Art and Design lands at #33 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $40,873 a decade after enrolling, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,926 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Herzing University-Minneapolis lands at #34 with a 50/100 composite, led by academic quality (57/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $36,909 a decade after enrolling, 37% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,670 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 34 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing a bachelor's program is a significant decision, especially in Minnesota, where a diverse range of schools offers various opportunities. These institutions are united by their commitment to student outcomes and mobility, making them strong contenders for anyone considering their future education. The average earnings for graduates from these programs stand at $58,444, highlighting the potential return on investment for students.
The schools listed here are distinguished by their completion rates, average earnings, net price, and student debt levels. As you explore the rankings below, consider how each institution's performance aligns with your priorities. For example, while some programs may boast higher graduation rates, they might also come with higher debt or net costs.
Take the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Carleton College, for instance. Both schools have impressive earnings, with graduates from Carleton earning an average of $75,525 compared to $69,020 at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. However, the net price at Carleton is significantly higher at $25,407, which might steer students toward the larger university if financial considerations are primary. Understanding these trade-offs is essential as you weigh your options.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 15 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.4%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Saint Johns University leads the group at 2.7%, with The College of Saint Scholastica (2.2%) and St Catherine University (2%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 4.9% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Crown College enrolls the most, at 7.5%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 27.4% across the list, peaking at 52.9% at Carleton College.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.71, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Carleton College is highest at 1.78.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When we look closer at the data, a clear pattern emerges. Carleton College, with its higher graduation rate of 90% and average earnings of $75,525, clearly outperforms the University of Minnesota-Morris, which has a graduation rate of just 62% and earnings of $50,919. This suggests that while Morris may be more affordable, the potential return on investment could be significantly lower, leading students to consider the long-term implications of their choices.
As you sift through the 34 schools listed, think about what matters most to you. Consider factors like location, program fit, campus culture, and financial situation alongside the data. If a school has strong earnings but high debt, will that balance work for your family? Create a checklist based on your priorities, and use this data as a guide to help you assess which programs are the best fit.
Ultimately, this data reflects the journey from college to career. Each choice can impact financial stability and quality of life down the line. For families weighing options, these numbers can inform a decision that shapes not only educational outcomes but also long-term aspirations for a stable future.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota ranking? +
Carleton College in Northfield, MN ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $75,525 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 90% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Saint Johns University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $76,786 ten years after enrollment, well above the $58,444 average across the 34 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Minnesota-Morris leads: graduates earn a median $50,919 against net price of about $8,837 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Carleton College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 90%, compared with a 64% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $20,969 a year across the 34 ranked schools with cost data. University of Minnesota-Morris is among the most affordable at roughly $8,837. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Bachelor's Programs in Minnesota ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 34 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
